What are the Responsibilities of a First Aider

First aiders are common in most businesses, playing a key role as first responders in medical situations. They provide immediate, stabilising help when someone needs urgent care until professional medical assistance arrives. The role of a first aider can vary greatly depending on the person and workplace, which can make it confusing to understand the responsibilities if you're new to it.

While the main goal of first aid is to save lives, there are many other duties involved. In emergencies, they must provide proper care to anyone who is sick or injured. They also need to keep their first aid training up-to-date and be aware of any risks or hazards specific to their workplace.

What is a First Aider?

A first aider is trained to help sick or injured people until professional medical help arrives. They know basic skills like how to stop bleeding, help someone who is choking, or do CPR. First aiders are usually the first to respond in an emergency, keeping people safe and calm until more help comes.

Anyone can be a first aider if they learn the right skills. I can be a first aider because I want to help others in emergencies and make my workplace or community safer.

Qualified first aiders usually complete one of two main types of training:

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

This Level 3 course is for people designated as first aiders in lower-risk workplaces. The one-day training covers CPR, handling bleeding and wounds, managing choking incidents, treating minor injuries, and knowing what to do in emergencies. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate valid for three years.

First Aid at Work (FAW)

This is a more detailed Level 3 course for first-aiders in higher-risk workplaces. It covers additional topics like helping someone having a seizure, heart attack, diabetic emergency, or severe allergic reaction. FAW training lasts three days, and the certification is valid for three years.
First aiders can also take specialist courses, like Paediatric First Aid. Health and Safety regulations do not require a trained first aider in some small businesses. Instead, they may appoint a responsible person for first aid, though this person does not need formal training. They may choose to take a basic first aid course for appointed persons.

What are the Key Responsibilities of a First Aider

A first aider's main job is to help someone injured, sick, or having a medical emergency. The care provided depends on the severity of the situation and can range from simple tasks, like removing a splinter, to more complex emergency actions.

Assess the Situation

Quickly evaluate the scene to ensure it is safe for you and the injured person. Look for any hazards and try to remove or minimise them before giving assistance.

Provide Initial Care

Offer appropriate first aid to stabilise the injured person and prevent further harm. This might include CPR, stopping bleeding, or helping with choking. Only perform techniques you are trained in to avoid causing more harm.

Call for Professional Help

Call emergency services or ask someone else to do so, especially in serious situations. It may be best to call NHS 111 for advice or refer the person to their GP for minor injuries.

Communicate Calmly

Stay calm and speak clearly with the injured person and anyone else. If the person is conscious, introduce yourself and explain your plan. Let bystanders know how they can assist, like calling an ambulance or keeping a respectful distance for the person's privacy.

Monitor the Injured Person

Keep an eye on their condition, checking breathing, pulse, and temperature. If they become unconscious, ensure their airway is open and start CPR if needed.

Record the Incident

Document the incident details, such as date, time, location, and the treatment given. Accurate records may be needed for legal reasons and are useful for improving future first-aid practices. Always protect personal data when keeping these records.

Other Duties of a First Aider

A first aider's duties go beyond giving immediate help. They also include:

Keeping First Aid Skills Updated

After completing Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or First Aid at Work (FAW) training, you receive a certificate valid for three years. You'll need to renew your training after that, but taking a half-day skills refresher course each year is helpful, either in person or online. Although you may not be responsible for keeping your training records, some workplaces assign this to a specific team or person in charge of learning, development, or health and safety.

Staying Aware of Workplace Risks

Knowing about potential risks and hazards in your workplace helps you better prepare to handle emergencies. If your previous training does not cover the hazards you encounter, you may want to ask for extra training. If your workplace has a first aid needs assessment, review it.

Familiarising Yourself with First Aid Equipment

Know where to find first-aid kits and devices like AEDs (defibrillators). If you're not trained to use certain equipment, ask for training to ensure you're prepared.

Note: First aiders must stay within the scope of their training to avoid causing unintentional harm.

Responsibilities of a Workplace First Aider

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained people to assist employees who become ill or injured at work. The type and level of first aid provided should match the needs of the specific workplace.

At a minimum, every workplace must have:

• A properly stocked first-aid kit

• An appointed person responsible for first aid arrangements

Being appointed for first aid is a serious role. It is recommended that this person complete at least a basic first aid course, like the one-day Emergency First Aid at Work qualification. The qualification is valid for three years, with annual refreshers encouraged.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that each employer conduct a First Aid Hazard Assessment to determine the resources needed based on their workplace's specific risks.

It's also important to have first aid available whenever employees work, whether on-site, driving, or working off-site. The HSE expects each vehicle used for work purposes, whether personal or company-owned, to carry a first aid kit.

Responsibilities of a Mental Health First Aider

While first aid is often considered physical health, employers increasingly consider mental health support for their employees. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) encourages employers to include mental health first aid in workplace care.

To support this, consider our Mental Health First Aid course, which aligns with this new HSE guidance. This training prepares mental health first aiders to recognise signs of mental health issues and provide initial support.

FAQs

What is a first aider, and what do they do in the workplace?

A first aider is trained to assist someone injured, sick, or having a medical emergency until professional help arrives. In the workplace, first aiders respond quickly to provide immediate support, helping to stabilise the person and keep the situation under control.

What type of training does a first aider need?

First aiders complete either the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course, a one-day training for lower-risk workplaces, or the First Aid at Work (FAW) course, a more in-depth, three-day training for higher-risk workplaces. Each certificate is valid for three years, and annual refreshers are recommended.

What are the key responsibilities of a first aider?

The main responsibilities include assessing the situation, providing initial care (like CPR or bleeding control), calling for professional help if necessary, communicating calmly, monitoring the injured person's condition, and recording the details of the incident.

Do first aiders need to keep their skills and training updated?

Yes, it's important for first aiders to keep their skills up to date. While certifications are valid for three years, taking an annual refresher course is beneficial to stay current with first aid practices.

How should first aiders prepare for specific risks in their workplace?

First aiders should review any workplace first aid needs assessment and become familiar with potential hazards specific to their environment. They should also know where to locate first aid kits and AEDs and request additional training for their workplace risks.

Are employers required to have a designated first aider and first aid equipment?

Yes, according to Health and Safety regulations, employers must provide adequate first aid equipment and appoint a person to manage first aid arrangements.

What is a mental health first aider, and is this role important?

A mental health first aider is trained to provide initial support for mental health concerns in the workplace. As mental health becomes a priority, the Health and Safety Executive encourages employers to offer mental health first aid.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a first aider in the workplace is important for ensuring a safe and responsive environment. From providing immediate help in emergencies to staying prepared through regular training, first aiders play a role in safeguarding the well-being of their colleagues. By understanding and fulfilling these duties, first aiders help prevent minor incidents from becoming severe and contribute to a supportive, health-conscious workplace culture.